'Food Network Star' named

Submitted

After a fiercely competitive 11th season, "Food
Network Star" concluded Sunday night with Eddie Jackson of Houston named the
winner of the series grand prize: his own show on Food Network.

A former NFL player who became a personal trainer,
food truck owner and private chef, Eddie proved to be the ultimate culinary
champion. He was known for his charismatic personality, charm under pressure
and spectacular cooking skills. Eddie's take on food, which combines his
southern background with his passion for rich, bold flavors, consistently
distinguished him with the judges and audience over the 11-episode season.

Leading into the finale, this outing of "Food
Network Star" averaged a 1.0 rating among adults 25-54, up 15 percent from
last season. In the series, culinary icons Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay
led the charge to find the next promising face in food television. This year's
finale came down to finalists Eddie, Jay Ducote (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) and Dom
Tesoriero (Staten Island).

The winner's show will premiere late fall 2015 in
primetime.

"The camera loves Eddie Jackson. He came to
this competition with impeccable cooking skills, tremendous on-air charisma and
that innate 'Star' quality. Add in the focus and determination from his days as
an athlete, and Eddie was a clear standout among this very talented cast,"
said Bob Tuschman, general manager and senior vice president at Food Network. "We
are excited to bring his energy, charm and passion for food to the
network."

Eddie is a former NFL player who is a fierce
competitor both in the kitchen and on the field. Now a private chef and
personal trainer, he also owns a Caribbean grill-inspired food truck in
Houston. In Eddie's world, there is no need for a "cheat day,"
because his good-for-you food is packed with flavor and does not leave one
feeling deprived.

In addition to his own show on Food Network, Eddie
will make an appearance at the upcoming Food Network & Cooking Channel New
York City Wine & Food Festival this October and be featured in Food Network
Magazine.